evanston_dad Called by some the best Italian neo-realist film of all time, "Umberto D." is a scathing critique of post-WWII Italy and its treatment of the elderly. I'm not sure I personally think it's the best of its genre -- it's not better than, say, "The Bicycle Thief." But it's an affecting drama about one old man's struggle with being disposed of by his society as so much rubbish, his only companion a faithful dog, which is used to tug shamelessly at the audience's heartstrings in a recurring device that totally works even though we're aware of how manipulative it is. Indeed, one of director Vittoria De Sica's best choices in the making of this movie is the parallel he draws between Umberto and his dog, and how he conveys that in many ways the dog has it better off -- it at least has someone who looks out for it and will come and rescue it from the pound when it gets lost.That scene at the pound, by the way, is in some ways the most arresting of the whole film. I don't want to be accused of reading too much into the movie, but the pound itself, and particularly the euthanasia room, strongly evokes images of the Nazi death camps, a choice on the part of De Sica I have to believe is deliberate, given his carefulness as a director and the film's coming out so soon after WWII.This film would be in good company with similarly-themed movies like "Make Way for Tomorrow," "Harry and Tonto," and "The Death of Mr. Lazarescu." Grade: A

Jeff Strichart I mainly posted this review to say that it is my favorite film of all time, and so I was flattered to read here that Ingmar Bergman said that it was his favorite film of all time as well. It is a must-watch as long as you are of the right persuasion and do not buy your movies at Walmart, because you will not find anything blowing up here; no product placement and it was not uber-market tested to appeal to the least common denominator. Nor does it feature played out actors delivering sound bytes disguised as lines. In fact much of the cast of Umberto D. were not even actors. However if you have an attention span longer than that of a flea and know how to appreciate a masterpiece then this is one for you.

Nicole C At first, the film takes a while to get going, and one wonders what this story is about. Throughout the film, Umberto's trouble with money gets increasingly intensified, as he ranges from pawning his belongings to near begging. In the olden days, this style very much shows the true realism. It had very little montage, in the sense that it didn't guide our associations, and more of the realistic filming that Andre Bazin favoured. (Bit of history for you). Everything to the shots, acting, and settings, were planned to give the most realistic portrayal as possible.The actors were mostly newcomers to the industry, and they did pretty well considering. Though maybe it would have been better to have actors with more experience, as the acting felt awkward at times. The film was well made in terms of continuity, and though some parts dragged, this could just be a depiction of life going on. It doesn't add unnecessary drama to fill in the time like most movies do nowadays.As the movie goes along, I find myself sympathizing with Umberto, and wish that he will be able to find a solution to his troubles. The end though, is pretty surprising as it is not a typical ending with closure. In fact, as with the rest of the film, it shows a more realistic ending and was really heartfelt. The addition of Flike as his companion is such a great idea as they played that angle perfectly. Flike is so cute!Read more movie reviews at: championangels.wordpress.com

SnoopyStyle Umberto D. Ferrari is an elderly retired government worker attending a demonstration. The police disperses the group. His landlady Antonia threatens to kick him out. He is a proud man and tries to sell his watch for the money. Maria is the friendly maid at the boarding house. She is pregnant by one of two soldiers but neither are willing to help. He is hospitalized for tonsillitis. When he gets out, Antonia is demolishing his room and she lets Flike escape. Umberto would end it all but he needs to find a place for Flike.I love the scene where he can't bring himself to beg for money but he lets Flike to beg with his hat. I like a lot about this movie but I find Umberto too bitter. It would so much better if he is the kindly old grandpa type. Maria is a bit too inexperienced to give the needed emotions. However it's poignant in so many other ways. His love for his dog and his isolation are both heart breaking.